Built in celebration of the legendary Maranello company’s 40th birthday, the Ferrari F40 was the company’s shining star of the 1980s. At its heart was a twin-turbocharged V-8, which was developed from the engine first found in the 288 GTO. However, the F40’s powerplant received bigger bores and a shorter stroke, raising total output to 478 horsepower. A sprint from 0–60 took just 3.8 seconds, and the car could rocket itself to a quarter-mile in 11.8 seconds. Braking was equally impressive, and the F40 could go from 60 mph to a grinding halt in just 119 feet. With the Porsche 959’s record-breaking top speed of 197 mph firmly in its sights, the F40 shattered not only the 959’s record for fastest production car ever built, but also broke through the mythical 200 mph barrier with a top speed of 201.4 mph.

Pioneering the use of carbon fibre, the F40 tipped the scales at just 1,088 kilos. Its bodywork was designed with aerodynamics in mind and provided incredible high-speed stability and channelled lots of airflow to its engine. Inside, the F40 made no concessions for luxury and with lightweight bucket seats, no carpets, door pulls instead of door handles, and the option of either roll-up or fixed windows, Ferrari’s engineers knew that every ounce counted in the pursuit of performance.

Chassis number 80747 was delivered new to Italy and has led a fascinating life. A highly desirable example without catalytic converters and non-adjustable suspension, this F40 was delivered new to Motor Service S.r.l. in Modena directly to the owner’s mechanic. Fitted with air conditioning, wind-up windows, and four-point Sabelt racing harnesses, it remained with the same family in Italy until 2014.

Unfortunately, in September 1989, the car was stolen; however, it was quickly recovered undamaged and a new set of locks was fitted. The owner again sent his mechanic to collect the car. Whilst driving the F40 home, he was stopped by the police. Unfortunately for him, the officials had not updated their system and believed the car was in fact still stolen. The mechanic was arrested and spent one night in jail, until the police realised their mistake and he was released!

Following the original owner’s passing, the car remained with his trusty mechanic, who treated this car as if it were his own child, servicing it meticulously and always cleaning it thoroughly after every outing. He even created a bespoke secure storage box for the car in his garage. The car had to be pushed into the box and winched out, as the doors could not be opened once in the box.

Prior to its sale to the current owner in September of 2014, the F40 was shipped home to the Ferrari factory, where it was inspected and certified by Ferrari Classiche. Also in 2014, prior to its purchase by the current owner, the car was fully serviced by Motor Service S.r.l., which included replacing the cam belts, replacing all the fluids, and properly setting the fuel injection. The engine was also subject to a compression test, the gearbox oil was changed, and the brakes were overhauled. Finally, the car received a full set of new tyres. More recently under the custodianship of its second and current owner, the car was fully serviced by Maranello Egham in the United Kingdom and received new fuel tanks as well as a new clutch. The seats have also been recently retrimmed by O’Rourke Coach Trimmers in Rudgwick, West Sussex.

Today, the F40 presents exceptionally well with no known accident damage, just as one would expect for a two-owner F40. This truly exceptional example is worthy of inclusion into the finest of collections.